JP2000262671A - Prize ball pay-out device for pachinko game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a prize ball pay-out device capable of immediately paying out prize balls when a ball enters a winning port, preventing illegal pay-out by a illegal instrument such as a magnet and paying out the accurate number of the prize balls at all times corresponding to the number of winning balls. SOLUTION: When the ball enters one of winning ports during a game, detectors 9a-9g provided near the respective winning ports K1-K8 or respectively provided on guiding gutters connected to the respective winning ports detect the winning ball and a prize ball pay-out mechanism pays out the predetermined number of the prize balls for each winning ball, the prize balls are immediately paid out when the ball enters the winning port. All the winning balls which enter from the respective winning ports K1-K8 are detected by an winning confirmation detector 25 installed to a gathering gutter 12 where they are gathered and a prize ball control part adds '1' for each winning ball detected by the detectors 9a-9g and subtracts '1' for each winning ball detected by the winning confirmation detector 25. When a counted value is in the outside of a prescribed numerical value range, error generation is defined, the prize ball pay-out mechanism is stopped and a reporting lamp reports it as the error generation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a prize ball payout device for a pachinko game machine, and more particularly to a prize ball payout device having a structure for paying out a prize ball immediately when a ball enters a winning port.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, a pachinko gaming machine is provided with a prize ball guiding plate for guiding a prize ball at a lower center portion on the back side of a game board, and a prize ball discharging device is disposed downstream of the prize ball guiding plate. A winning ball detection switch for detecting a winning ball is provided there. During the game of the pachinko gaming machine, the winning balls entering each winning opening are gathered on a winning ball guiding plate and sequentially sent to a winning ball discharging device, where the winning balls are detected by a winning ball detection switch. The prize ball control unit generates a prize ball payout command each time a prize ball is detected, thereby driving the prize ball payout device to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls for each prize ball. Works.

[0003]

By the way, from the viewpoint that it is ideal to pay out prize balls as soon as possible when a prize is won, when balls enter each prize port, they are gathered on a prize ball guide plate. A pachinko gaming machine having a structure in which a prize ball is immediately detected before the prize ball is paid out and a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out for each prize ball has been considered.

However, in this type of pachinko game machine, a winning ball detector is installed immediately inside a winning opening provided in a game board or in a guide passage connected to the inside thereof. Therefore, since the position of the winning ball detector of such a pachinko gaming machine is close to the player just inside the game board, if a fraudulent act is performed using a fraudulent device such as a magnet or a transmitter, the proximity of A winning ball detector such as a switch may malfunction and many prize balls may be paid out illegally. Conversely, if the winning ball detector is intentionally tampered with or the pachinko gaming machine is used in a state where some of the winning ball detectors have stopped functioning due to a failure, the number of payout balls will be reduced. And may cause unexpected damage to the player.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-mentioned problem, and can immediately pay out a prize ball when a ball enters a winning opening, thereby preventing illegal payout with an unauthorized instrument such as a magnet, and achieving a prize ball. It is an object of the present invention to provide a prize ball payout device that can always pay out an accurate number of prize balls according to the number of prize balls.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a prize ball payout device provided near each winning port or provided on a guide gutter connected to each winning port. In a prize ball payout device of a pachinko game machine having a prize ball payout mechanism that detects a prize ball by means and pays out a predetermined number of prize balls for each prize ball, all prize balls prize from each prize port are checked. The prize confirmation detecting means for detecting all prize balls and the prize confirmation means for detecting all prize balls are added to the passing trough, and 1 is added for each prize ball detected by the prize ball detection means. Counting means for subtracting, when the count value of the counting means is out of the predetermined numerical range, a payout stop control means for stopping the winning ball payout mechanism as an error, and when the count value of the counting means is out of the predetermined numerical range. Notification means to notify that an error has occurred when it becomes , Characterized by comprising a.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the prize ball dispensing apparatus, when the count value of the counting means is a positive integer and out of a predetermined numerical range, the notifying means sends the first notification. When the count value is a negative integer and is out of the predetermined numerical range, the notification unit performs the second notification in a distinguished manner.

[0008] Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the prize ball dispensing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, when the count value of the counting means is out of a predetermined numerical range, the firing stop control means for stopping the hitting ball firing apparatus. It is characterized by having.

[0009]

This prize ball payout device is provided with a prize ball provided in the vicinity of each prize port or on a guiding gutter connected to each prize port when a ball enters the prize port during a game of a pachinko gaming machine. The ball detecting means detects a winning ball, and the winning ball payout mechanism pays out a predetermined number of winning balls for each winning ball. For this reason, a prize ball can be paid out immediately when a ball is won in the winning opening.

[0010] Further, all winning balls won from each winning opening are detected by the winning confirmation detecting means installed on the collecting gutter where they are gathered, and the counting means is provided for each winning ball detected by the winning ball detecting means. One is added, and one is subtracted for each winning ball detected by the winning confirmation detecting means. At this time, when the count value of the counting means is out of the predetermined numerical range, the payout stop control means stops the prize ball payout mechanism as an error has occurred,
When the count value of the counting means is out of the predetermined numerical range, the notifying means notifies that an error has occurred.

When the prize ball detecting means detects the prize ball, it outputs a detection signal normally, and when clogging of the prize ball in the gutter does not occur, the count value of the counting means becomes an integer close to zero. The payout of the prize ball is normally performed by the prize ball payout mechanism because the value falls within the predetermined numerical range.

On the other hand, if an illegal act is performed using an unauthorized device such as a magnet or a transmitter, a winning ball detecting means such as a proximity switch located immediately inside the game board malfunctions, and even if there is no winning, Detection signal is output.
Since the count value of the counting means becomes larger than a predetermined numerical range, the payout stop control means stops the payout operation of the prize ball payout mechanism, and the notifying means notifies it. Therefore, it is possible to prevent payout of prize balls when the prize ball detecting means malfunctions due to fraud, and the manager can immediately recognize this.

Further, when the count value of the counting means is a positive integer and out of the predetermined numerical range, the notifying means makes a first notification, and the count value becomes a negative integer. In the case where the value is out of the predetermined numerical range, if the notification means performs the second notification in a distinguished manner, if the winning ball detection means outputs a detection signal despite the absence of a prize due to fraud, or When a winning ball is clogged in a gutter or the like, since the count value of the counting means is a positive integer exceeding a predetermined numerical range, when the notifying means performs the first notification, the manager,
Recognize that cheating or clogging of winning balls has occurred and, if the notification means has performed the second notification, recognize that a failure has occurred in the winning ball detection means and that no winning balls have been detected. Can be.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a front view of a pachinko gaming machine, and FIG. 2 shows a rear view thereof. In FIG.
Reference numeral 1 denotes a wooden frame of a pachinko machine. A front frame 2 is attached to the front of the wooden frame 1 via a hinge so as to be openable and closable. The game board 3 is detachably mounted inside the front frame 2. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a mechanism plate 4 made of synthetic resin is rotatably mounted on the back side of the game board 3 via a hinge.

A front plate 7 is attached to the lower side of the glass door 5 so as to be openable and closable so as to cover a firing rail and a hitting rod (not shown).
A hit ball supply tray 6 is provided on a front surface of the front plate 7. Further, below the front frame 2, a hit ball firing handle 13 constituting a part of the hit ball firing device is provided, and a lower plate 8 for storing prize balls that cannot be stored in the hit ball supply tray 6 is further provided.

On the front surface of the game board 3, a symbol variable display 10 for displaying, for example, three rows of symbols while moving them up and down sequentially is arranged at the center. Further, a top winning opening K1 is provided as an ordinary winning opening above the symbol variable display 10, a starting winning opening K6 is provided below the winning winning opening K6, and a left winning opening K2 and a right winning opening K4 are provided on both sides thereof. Established, left winning opening K2
A left sleeve winning opening K3 is provided below the right winning opening K4, and a right sleeve winning opening K5 is provided below the right winning opening K4. In addition, starting winning opening K
Below 6, a continuous winning opening K7 and a special winning opening K8 are provided as special winning openings.

In addition, a notification lamp 24 is provided above the front frame 2 for notifying the count value of the winning sphere when an error occurs. The notification lamp 24 incorporates two types of lamps, for example, a red lamp and a yellow lamp,
If the count value of the prize balls described later becomes abnormal with, for example, plus, the red lamp blinks as the first error notification, and if the count value becomes abnormal with, for example, minus, the yellow lamp becomes the second error notification. It is configured to flash.

As shown in the rear view of FIG. 2, a mechanism board 4 mounted on the back side of the game board 3 is provided with a prize ball payout device.
Reference numeral 15 denotes a prize ball tank for storing prize balls for payout. A tank rail 16 is connected to a lower side of the prize ball tank 15, and a substantially S-shaped guide rail 17 is connected to a lower end of the tank rail 16. The prize ball payout mechanism 18 is attached below the guide rail 17. As shown in FIG. 3, the prize ball payout mechanism 18 includes a rotor 1 in a ball passage 19 communicating with the guide rail 17.
8a is provided so as to be rotatable by a prize ball payout motor 18b, and a ball detector 18c for detecting passage of a prize ball is provided.

The ball passages 19 of the prize ball payout mechanism 18 are formed in two rows in front and back, and two rotors 18a whose rotational positions are shifted by 180 degrees are arranged in both the ball passages 19, and the prize ball payout is provided. The shaft is mounted on the shaft of the motor 18b. Each rotor 18a
Is formed in such a shape that one prize ball can be sent during the half rotation, and the commanded number of prize balls can be paid out downward by the rotational drive of the motor 18b. When the rotor 18a stops, the sending of the prize ball stops. The number of prize balls passing through the prize ball payout mechanism 18 is counted by counting a detection signal output from a sphere detector 18c that magnetically or optically detects the prize ball with a counter (not shown).

The main body 20 of the prize ball dispensing device is formed of synthetic resin, and the lower end of the ball passage of the prize ball dispensing mechanism 18 is connected to the upper ball passage of the main body 20.
Inside, a discharge passage 21a and a ball removal passage 21b are branched, and at the branch point, a lever-shaped discharge ball removal switching valve 22 is provided so as to be manually switchable. A bell is provided in the discharge passage 21a to hit the prize ball and emit a sound. The prize balls passing through the discharge passage 21a are sent to the hit ball supply tray 6 via the storage unit, and the prize balls overflowing the storage unit are sent to the lower plate 8.

As shown in FIG. 4, on the back side of the game board, there are winning openings, namely, a winning opening K1, a starting winning opening K6, a left winning opening K2, a right winning opening K4, a left sleeve winning opening K3, and a right sleeve winning. Mouth K
5. Guidance gutters 11a to 11g are provided to guide the winning balls entered from the continuous winning opening K7 and the grand winning opening K8, respectively, and beneath them collect the winning balls emitted from the guiding gutters 11a to 11g. A collecting gutter 12 is provided. Detectors 9a to 9g for detecting a winning ball are installed in each of the guiding gutters 11a to 11g.

That is, the guiding gutter 11a is provided with a starting winning opening detector 9a, the guiding gutter 11b is provided with a natural winning opening / left winning opening detector 9b, and the guiding gutter 11c is provided with a right winning opening detector 9c. A left sleeve winning opening detector 9d is provided on the guiding gutter 11d, and a right sleeve winning opening detector 9 is provided on the guiding gutter 11e.
e is provided, the guide gutter 11f is provided with a special winning opening detector 9f, and the guide gutter 11g is provided with a continuous winning opening detector 9g. A winning confirmation detector 25 is provided below the collecting gutter 12. These detectors 9a to 9f and 2
For 5, a proximity switch for magnetically detecting a winning ball, a photoelectric switch for optically detecting, a microswitch for mechanically detecting, or the like can be used.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the prize ball controller 30 for controlling the prize ball payout in the gaming machine. The prize ball control unit 30 includes a microcomputer as a main part, and executes a CPU that counts prize balls and controls the prize ball payout mechanism 18 and a fixed memory R that stores a control program.
An OM, a temporary memory RAM, an input / output circuit, and the like are provided. A counter area for adding / subtracting the winning number and a counter area for counting the number of payout balls are provided, for example, in a part of the RAM. The prize ball payout motor 18b of the prize ball payout mechanism 18 and the notification lamp 24 are connected to an input / output circuit of the prize ball control unit 30 via a driver.

The ball detector 18c of the prize ball payout mechanism 18
A winning confirmation detector 25 for detecting a winning ball is connected to the input / output circuit. In addition, the prize ball control unit 30 is connected with a lower plate full switch for detecting the full state of the lower plate 8 and the like.

Next, the operation of the winning ball payout apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. During the game of the pachinko machine, the ball is a winning prize opening K1, a starting winning prize K6, a left winning prize K
2. When the player enters any one of the normal winning openings of the right winning opening K4, the left sleeve winning opening K3, and the right sleeve winning opening K5, the winning ball is set there when descending through each of the guiding gutters 11a to 11e. Are immediately detected by the detected detectors 9a to 9e.

That is, the ball entering the guiding gutter 11a is detected by the starting winning opening detector 9a, and the ball entering the guiding gutter 11b is detected by the sky winning opening / left winning opening detector 9b and the guiding gutter 11c.
The entered ball is detected by the right winning opening detector 9c, and the guiding gutter 1 is detected.
The ball entering 1d is detected by the left sleeve winning opening detector 9d, the ball entering the guiding gutter 11e is detected by the right sleeve winning opening detector 9e, and a detection signal is sent to the winning ball control unit 30. At this time, the prize ball control unit 30 determines in step 100 that the normal winning opening has been won, and then proceeds to step 120, where the prize ball payout mechanism 1
At step 140, six prize ball payout instructions are output to the player 8 and 1 is added to the winning counter. Winning ball 1
Since 1 is added to the number, when n winning balls are entered, n is added to the winning number counter.

On the other hand, the ball is a continuous winning opening K8 or a large winning opening K
When the player enters the special winning opening of No. 7, the winning ball is guided to the guiding gutter 11f.
Alternatively, it is immediately detected by the special winning opening detector 9f or the continuous winning opening detector 9g through 11g, and the detection signal is sent to the prize ball control unit 30. At this time, the prize ball control unit 30 executes Step 1
At 10, it is determined that a special winning opening has been won, and then step 1
In step S30, 15 prize ball payout commands are output to the prize ball payout mechanism 18, and at step 140, 1 is added to the winning number counter. Since 1 is added to one winning ball, when n winning balls are entered, n is added to the winning number counter.

Upon receiving the prize ball payout command, the prize ball payout mechanism 18 starts the prize ball payout motor 18b and pays out the designated number of prize balls. That is, the rotation of the motor 18b causes the rotor 18a of the prize ball payout mechanism 18 to have one rotor 18a for each half rotation (in this example, two rotors are provided in two rows of passages, and one rotor for 1/4 rotation). The prize ball is sent from the prize ball payout mechanism 18 to the discharge passage 21a. When the prize balls are paid out, the prize balls paid out are detected by the ball detector 18c and are counted. Therefore, when the designated number of prize balls, that is, the normal prize port, is won, the prize ball is won. When six prize balls are won for one ball and a special winning opening is won, 15 prize balls are paid out for one prize ball.

On the other hand, the winning ball flows from the guiding gutters 11a to 11g to the collecting gutter 12, and when the passing thereof is detected by the winning confirmation detector 25 provided thereunder, the winning ball control unit 30 proceeds to step 160, 1 is subtracted from the winning number counter. Then, since 1 is subtracted from one winning ball, when n winning balls pass, n is subtracted from the winning number counter. Therefore, at the stage when this step 160 is executed, if the detectors 9a to 9g of each winning opening operate normally and the winning confirmation detector 25 operates normally,
The count value of the winning number counter is zero or a positive integer close to zero. However, when the detectors 9a to 9g malfunction due to passing despite the prize ball not passing, the count value becomes a positive value, and the detectors 9a to 9g determine that the prize ball does not pass despite the passing of the prize ball. If a malfunction occurs, the count value becomes a negative value.

Next, the award ball control unit 30 proceeds to step 170
Then, it is determined whether or not the count value of the winning number counter is equal to or more than a predetermined positive predetermined number, for example, 6. If the count value is less than the predetermined number of 6, the process proceeds to step 180, where the counting of the winning number counter is performed. It is determined whether or not the value is equal to or smaller than a predetermined negative predetermined number, for example, -6. If the count value is larger than the predetermined number, -6, the operation is determined to be normal and step 23 is performed.
The process returns to the first step 100 via 0.

On the other hand, if the detectors 9a to 9g malfunction to pass even though the winning ball does not pass, and the count value of the winning number counter becomes 6 which is equal to or more than the predetermined number, the process proceeds from step 170 to step 190, The prize ball control unit 30 stops the payout operation of the prize ball payout mechanism 18 and executes step 200.
Then, the first error notification is performed, and the notification lamp 24 flashes red. Thereby, the person in charge of seeing the notification lamp 24 can recognize that the detectors 9a to 9g malfunctioned even though the winning ball did not pass even though the winning ball did not pass. It can be checked whether or not there was. Also, when a winning ball is clogged in the guiding gutter or the collecting gutter, the value of the winning number counter becomes a positive integer, and when it becomes 6 which is a predetermined number or more, the first error notification is made. You.

On the other hand, if the detectors 9a to 9g erroneously operate as non-passing despite the passing of the winning ball, and the count value of the winning number counter becomes -6 which is equal to or less than a predetermined number, step 180
The process proceeds to step 210, where the prize ball control unit 30 stops the payout operation of the prize ball payout mechanism 18 and proceeds to step 22.
At 0, a second error notification is performed, and the notification lamp 24 blinks yellow. Thereby, the attendant who saw the notification lamp 24 can recognize that the detectors 9a to 9g malfunctioned as non-passage despite the passing of the winning sphere, and the detectors 9a to 9g could be recognized.
9g failure can be checked.

Also at the time of the first error notification and the second error notification as described above, steps 100 to 180 are performed.
Is executed, for example, if the winning sphere is clogged with the guiding gutters 11a to 11g or the collecting gutter 12 and an error occurs, and then the clogging of the winning sphere is resolved, the process proceeds from step 180 to step 240 via step 230, and proceeds to step 240. Is resolved, the payout operation of the prize ball payout mechanism 18 is returned and restarted, and the notification lamp 24 is turned off in step 250 to stop the notification of the first error or the second error, and returns to the normal operation state. be able to.

As described above, the prize balls entered from the prize port are added by the prize number counter, the prize balls discharged through the collecting gutter 12 are detected by the prize confirmation detector 25, and the number is detected by the count value of the prize number counter. When the count value is equal to or greater than or equal to a predetermined number, an error is notified. Therefore, there is a fraudulent act that causes the detectors 9a to 9g to malfunction with an unauthorized device such as a magnet or a transmitter. In the case where there is a failure, or when there is a failure in the detectors 9a to 9g, the failure can be detected and reported.

Further, when the count value of the winning number counter becomes a predetermined number or more on the plus side and when the count value becomes less than the predetermined number on the minus side, different notification of the first error notification and the second error notification is performed. In order to do so, the clerk merely looks at the notification lamp 24 and checks whether any of the detectors 9a to 9g malfunctioned with an unauthorized device such as a magnet or a transmitter.
It is possible to distinguish and recognize whether there is a failure of a to 9 g.

The guiding gutters 11a to 11g and the collecting gutter 12
In the case where the winning ball is temporarily clogged, and then the clogging is cleared, the first error notification is performed once and an error state occurs. However, the error is cleared thereafter, and the payout operation of the prize ball payout mechanism 18 is stopped. Since the operation is resumed, the operation of the pachinko gaming machine can be automatically returned.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but can be carried out in the following modes.

In the above embodiment, when an error occurs, only the payout operation of the prize ball payout mechanism 18 is stopped. However, the operation of the hit ball firing device may be stopped at the same time.

The notification lamp 24 notifies the first error notification and the second error notification separately. However, only notifying the first error notification and the second error notification has the effect of notifying that there is an error in the prize ball operation. A buzzer or the like may be used as the means.

In the above embodiment, according to the prize balls entering the normal winning opening and the special winning opening, the number of the normal winning opening is 6,
In the case of the special winning port motor 18b, fifteen prize balls are paid out, but both may be the same.

[0041]

As described above, according to the award ball payout apparatus for a pachinko game machine of the present invention, since the above configuration is adopted, when a ball enters the winning opening during the game of the pachinko game machine,
The prize ball detecting means provided in the vicinity of each prize port or provided on a guiding gutter connected to each prize port detects a prize ball, and the prize ball payout mechanism determines a predetermined number of prize balls for each prize ball. Since the prize ball is paid out, the prize ball can be paid out immediately when the ball is placed in the winning opening. In addition, all the winning balls from each winning opening are detected by the winning confirmation detecting means installed in the gathering gutter where they are gathered, and the counting means adds 1 to each winning ball detected by the winning ball detecting means. Then, 1 is subtracted for each winning ball detected by the winning confirmation detecting means. At this time, when the count value of the counting means is out of the predetermined numerical range, the payout stop control means stops the prize ball payout mechanism as an error occurrence, and the notifying means notifies the occurrence of the error,
Preventing unauthorized payout with unauthorized devices such as magnets, the administrator can recognize fraudulent acts, failure of detection means, blockage of winning balls, and the like, and deal with them.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the winning ball payout mechanism 18.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory rear view of the gaming board showing positions of a guide gutter and a detector.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a prize ball control unit and detectors.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the winning ball payout apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 K1-K8-winning opening 9a-9g-winning opening detector 18-winning ball payout mechanism 25-winning confirmation detector 24-notification lamp 30-winning ball control unit

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission Date] January 11, 2000 (2000.1.1)
1)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claim 1

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0006

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a prize ball payout device provided near a prize port or provided on a guiding gutter connected to each prize port . Each entry
A prize ball payout mechanism for detecting a prize ball by the prize ball detection means and paying out a predetermined number of prize balls for each prize ball ,
When the winning ball detecting means detects the winning ball, the winning ball payout mechanism
Immediately prize ball dispensing device of pachinko machines to pay out prize balls
Then , one is added for each prize ball detected by the prize confirmation detecting means for detecting all the prize balls and the prize balls detected by the prize ball detection means, which is installed in a collecting gutter through which all the prize balls passed from each prize port pass. Counting means for subtracting 1 for each winning ball detected by the winning confirmation detecting means, and payout stopping means for stopping the prize ball payout mechanism as an error when the counted value of the counting means is out of a predetermined numerical range. And a notifying means for notifying that an error has occurred when the count value of the counting means is out of a predetermined numerical range.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A prize ball is detected by each prize ball detecting means provided near each prize port or on a guiding gutter connected to each prize port, and is determined in advance for each prize ball. In a prize ball payout device of a pachinko gaming machine having a prize ball payout mechanism for paying out a number of prize balls, the prize ball payout device is installed in a collecting gutter through which all the prize balls passed from the respective prize ports pass and detects all the prize balls. Prize confirmation detecting means, and adding 1 to each prize ball detected by the prize ball detecting means,
Counting means for subtracting 1 for each prize ball detected by the prize confirmation detecting means; payout stop control for stopping the prize ball payout mechanism as occurrence of an error when a count value of the counting means is out of a predetermined numerical range; Means for notifying an occurrence of an error when a count value of the counting means is out of a predetermined numerical range, and a prize ball payout device for a pachinko gaming machine. 2. When the count value of the counting means is a positive integer and is out of a predetermined numerical range, the notifying means performs first notification, and the count value is a negative integer and is out of the predetermined numerical range. 2. The prize ball payout device for a pachinko gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said notification means performs the second notification in a distinguished manner. 3. The pachinko game machine according to claim 1, further comprising a firing stop control means for stopping the hit ball firing device when the count value of said counting means is out of a predetermined numerical range. Prize ball dispensing device.